2019 payout leads industry; expected to be the highest in company history

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual announced today that its policyowners will receive an estimated $5.6 billion in dividends through the company's 2019 dividend payout. This payout is expected to lead the industry and be the highest payout in the company's history.

The company's dividend payout record is unparalleled in both duration and size. Northwestern Mutual has paid a dividend every year since 1872 – even in challenging economic conditions. Northwestern Mutual leads the industry in total dividends paid to policyowners for both life and disability income insurance.

"This record dividend clearly demonstrates our consistent performance, our overriding commitment to do what's best for our policyowners, and our industry-leading ability to deliver long-term value," said John E. Schlifske, chairman, president and CEO of Northwestern Mutual. "Staying focused on business fundamentals – sound underwriting, disciplined expense management and investment performance – is core to our financial strength in all economic seasons."

Policyowners who own whole life insurance, disability insurance and some annuity products are eligible for dividends which can be used to advance financial goals, including reducing the cost of premiums; taking dividends in cash; or, for life insurance, increasing the cash value and in many cases death benefit.

Northwestern Mutual seeks to pay the highest level of dividends possible, consistent with maintaining our unquestionable financial strength. It currently maintains the highest financial strength ratings awarded to any U.S. life insurer by all four of the major ratings agencies.

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a distinctive, whole-picture planning approach, we empower our clients to make the most of every single day and plan for important moments in their future. We combine the expertise of our financial professionals with a personalized digital experience to help our clients navigate their financial lives every day. With $265.0 billion in assets, $28.1 billion in revenues, and $1.8 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to 4.5 million people who rely on us for life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, brokerage and advisory services, trust services, and discretionary portfolio management solutions. The company manages more than $125 billion of client assets through its wealth management and investment services. Northwestern Mutual ranks 104 on the 2018 FORTUNE 500 and is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2018.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. Life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits are issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM). Long-term care insurance is issued by Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (NLTC) a subsidiary of NM. Securities are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, (NMIS) a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services are offered through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank. Products and services referenced are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed entities and financial advisors. Not all products and services are available in all states. Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with the titles "Financial Advisor" or "Wealth Management Advisor" are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide advisory services.